To have a strong, tender, deep-seated sympathy for someone or something. I don't know why you insist on going to the animal shelters to yearn over the stray dogs and cats when you know we're not going to take one home with us.The whole world yearned over the country following the horrible attacks.
yearn over
v.
To feel deep pity, sympathy, or tenderness for someone or something: The entire nation yearned over the lives lost in the accident.